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8972 Career Guide

Marine Corps

8972: Aircrew Trainee

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aircrew Trainee (8972)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 8972 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Flight Attendant

$63K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service trainingSafety and emergency procedures certification

Aircraft Mechanic/Avionics Technician

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific aircraft model training

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technician

$70K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 certificationUAS maintenance training

Air Traffic Controller

$135K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certificationExtensive on-the-job training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 8972 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Aircrew trainees must constantly monitor their surroundings during flight, paying attention to aircraft systems, other crew members, and external factors like weather and terrain to anticipate potential problems.

This translates to the ability to quickly assess complex environments, identify potential risks, and maintain a clear understanding of ongoing operations, even in dynamic situations.

Procedural Compliance

Aircrew training is heavily reliant on strict adherence to checklists, standard operating procedures, and regulations to ensure safety and mission success.

This demonstrates a commitment to following established guidelines, understanding the importance of protocol, and maintaining consistent, reliable performance in high-stakes environments.

Team Synchronization

Even as trainees, aircrew members learn to coordinate their actions with other crew members to achieve common goals, such as completing pre-flight checks or responding to in-flight emergencies.

You've honed the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, communicate clearly, and anticipate the needs of others to ensure seamless operation.

Rapid Prioritization

Aircrew trainees learn to quickly assess situations and prioritize tasks under pressure, such as responding to unexpected mechanical issues or changing mission objectives.

This means you can efficiently manage multiple demands, make critical decisions in real-time, and maintain focus on the most important objectives, even when facing distractions or time constraints.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to maintain situational awareness, follow procedures, and prioritize tasks under pressure, which are all essential for coordinating emergency response efforts and ensuring public safety. Your understanding of complex systems and your ability to work effectively in a team will make you a valuable asset in this field.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081.00

You've been instilled with a strong sense of procedural compliance and situational awareness, making you well-prepared to manage complex supply chains, track inventory, and optimize logistics operations. Your attention to detail and commitment to accuracy will ensure efficient and cost-effective resource management.

Quality Control Inspector

SOC 51-9061.00

You've learned the importance of adhering to strict procedures and maintaining high standards of performance, making you an ideal candidate for ensuring product quality and identifying potential defects. Your attention to detail and commitment to accuracy will help companies maintain their reputation and customer satisfaction.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS), NAS Pensacola, FL

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Aviation Science

Topics Covered

  • Aviation Physiology
  • Land Survival
  • Water Survival
  • Aerodynamics
  • Aircraft Systems (Basic)
  • Aircrew Procedures

Certification Pathways

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/ARC-210 RadioCommercial aviation VHF/UHF radio systems
AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)High-end night vision equipment for security/search and rescue
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)Commercial aircraft cockpit voice recorders
AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS)Aircraft flare dispensing systems for civilian security applications
Airborne Tactical Data System (ATDS)Real-time data link systems for aircraft
Global Positioning System (GPS) Military Grade ReceiversHigh-precision GPS receivers

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